Final answer:
A satellite launched into space with no forces acting on it would continue to move at a constant speed and direction. This outcome is based on Newton's first law of motion and the principle of inertia. However, real-life factors such as gravitation and radiation can affect its motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a satellite were launched into space and there were no forces acting on it, it would continue to move according to Newton's first law of motion, which states that an object in motion stays in motion at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force. In the vacuum of space, assuming a perfect scenario with no gravitational fields or other forces, the satellite would not speed up or slow down but would maintain its current speed and direction indefinitely. This phenomenon complies with the principle of inertia.
In real-life scenarios, other forces like gravitational pull from nearby celestial bodies and potential radiation pressure, such as photon bombardment, would influence the motion of the satellite. However, if we neglect these forces as per the question's condition, the satellite's motion would not change.
When considering specific examples, such as a radiation-propelled spacecraft like LightSail-1, this craft would continue to accelerate due to the continual force of photon bombardment. Nevertheless, this is a different scenario since the force from photons is a continual force acting on the satellite.
Additionally, according to Kepler's laws of planetary motion, a satellite will increase its speed as it approaches its parent body due to the stronger gravitational pull (higher gravitational potential energy converting to kinetic energy) and decrease its speed as it moves away.